The crews from King’s Lynn, Wells, Hunstanton, West Walton, Sandringham, Heacham, Downham Market and Terrington were all involved in the emergency response to the tidal surge on the evening of December 5, 2013.

During the ceremony, at King’s Lynn North fire station, Mr Williams, praised the crews who “stepped up to the mark” when the flood surge bore down.

Mr Williams, gold commander as the crisis unfolded, told crews that counterparts in Humberside and Lincolnshire had called him to say the surge had hit their counties hard and Norfolk was next.

“What you did that night was outstanding – you knew not what was coming but you stood tall to a man and a woman. I’m so proud of what you did for this brigade and the people of Norfolk – it was in the traditions of one of the best fire services in Britain.”

He presented pins to more than 70 firefighters with Mr Pickover.

“When the flood surge struck west Norfolk was hit first – and hard,” said Mr Pickover.